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Snow, high winds mean treacherous travel in Central Va.

Posted at 1:27 PM, Mar 06, 2013
and last updated 2013-03-06 13:27:33-05

From a news release from VDOT: 

COLONIAL HEIGHTS – A wintery mix of snow, sleet and rain will continue to impact the Richmond region into the overnight hours.

High winds have caused downed trees and power lines in Goochland, Hanover, Powhatan and Charles City counties.

Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews and its contractors will continue to work around the clock to treat and clear state-maintained routes of snow/ice and debris for the duration of this storm.

Pavement temperatures are expected to drop to below freezing overnight in Goochland, Hanover, New Kent, Powhatan, Henrico and western Chesterfield counties. Any moisture remaining on roadways will likely freeze, especially on untreated roads, bridges and overpasses.

Drivers are advised to delay or limit travel overnight through early Thursday, if possible, due to the potential for black ice.

VDOT’s goal is to have all state-maintained roads passable within 48 hours after the storm ends. Crews first clear interstates, primary roads (routes numbered 1-599) and major secondary roads that connect localities, fire stations, employment hubs, military posts, schools, hospitals and other important public facilities. They will then shift resources to secondary routes as conditions allow.

Drivers are encouraged to check VDOT’s 511 travel website, http://www.511virginia.org, before traveling. The website is updated in real time with weather and road conditions for all highways in Virginia. Once on the road, VDOT’s 511 mobile app provides real-time traffic and weather information for both iPhone and Android platforms. Travelers can also call 511 from any telephone in Virginia for real-time information on traffic and road conditions.